By Anzal Amin
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has emphasized maximizing the potential between Pakistan and Russia in trade, investment, technological cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
He was addressing a special ceremony held in Islamabad, in connection with 35th National Day celebrations of Russia.
The President said that Pakistan joins Russia in celebrating this National Day, reflecting our solidarity and friendship.
He said there have been extensive high-level interactions between the two countries that laid the foundation for deeper engagement and understanding between the two nations.
“Pakistan and Russia also continue to cooperate closely on regional and international platforms,” said President Zardari.
He expressed the hope that the bond of friendship between the two countries will continue to strengthen.
He said let us reaffirm our commitment to build bridges of understanding and cooperation between our two nations.
On the occasion, the President extended heartiest congratulations to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ambassador of Russia to Pakistan Albert Khorev and the people of Russia.Earlier, in his welcome address, the Russian Ambassador to Pakistan said Pak-Russia bilateral cooperation is advancing at a satisfactory pace across various sectors.
He reaffirmed Russia’s continued support for Pakistan on various international platforms, noting that both nations are working together to deepen ties in education, diplomacy, and mutual development.
Earlier, Russia has reaffirmed its eagerness to strengthen ties with Pakistan within the framework of Shanghai Cooperation Organization, particularly in the area of counter-terrorism.
This came during a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Pakistan’s Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi in Moscow today .
Syed Tariq Fatemi conveyed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s warm greetings and reiterated the Pakistani leadership’s commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation with Russia across various sectors, including energy, connectivity, and trade.
Tariq Fatemi gave a detailed briefing on recent developments in South Asia, outlining Pakistan’s concerns regarding regional escalation risks.
He highlighted the serious implications of India’s threat to disrupt the flow of waters by holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance.
The Russian Foreign Minister emphasized his country’s support for normalization of ties between India and Pakistan, noting its positive impact on regional stability.
On Pak-Russia bilateral ties, the Russian Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction over the steady growth in bilateral cooperation and underscored key projects like the establishment of new Steel Mills and connectivity initiatives.
Syed Tariq Fatemi handed over a letter from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to President Vladimir Putin.
